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This Week’s Historical Events
On January 23, 1962 - Bob Feller and Jackie Robinson were selected for the Baseball Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility. Feller won 266 games in 18 seasons and Jackie broke baseball's color barrier and helped lead the Dodgers to six pennants in ten years.
On January 24, 1910 - Johnny Dicksus was born. Johnny was among the many older players who got their shot playing in the big leagues during World War II. His best season was in 1945 with the Chicago White Sox when he hit .302, which was third-best in the American League. He also finished 4th with ten triples and ranked 5th with 18 stolen bases. Still, he lost his job when younger players returned from the war.
On January 25, 1974 - Ray Kroc, the founder of the fast-food franchise McDonald's, bought the San Diego Padres for $12 million.
On January 26, 1934 - Bob Uecker was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bob was m an iconic baseball announcer and former Major League Baseball player. His humor and anecdotes earned him a spot on the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasters.
On January 27, 1966 - a Wisconsin State Circuit Court Judge ruled that the Braves had to stay in Milwaukee or else the National League must promise Wisconsin an expansion team if the team moved.
On January 28, 1949 - The NY Giants signed their first African American players. Monte Irvin and Ford Smith left the Negro Leagues and signed contracts with the team. Irvin went on to star for the Giants, but Smith never reached the major leagues.
On January 29, 1948 - MLB Commissioner Happy Chandler fined the Yankees, Cubs, and Phillies $500 each for signing high school players to contracts.
Current Baseball News
1) Eight-time Gold Glove 3B Scott Rolen makes Baseball Hall of Fame
Scott Rolen has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this week, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest third basemen in Major League Baseball history. His career achievements are nothing short of remarkable, culminating with 10 All-Star Game selections, eight Gold Gloves, and seven Silver Sluggers.
Rolen received a “yes” from 76.3% of ballots cast. The minimum needed is 75%. Rolen was in his sixth year of eligibility to earn enshrinement.
Rolen stated in an interview with MLB Network "You don't think about this. You think about trying to do the best you can, play for your team, and play the game as best you can, and there's such a long road. I never thought that the Hall of Fame was going to be the answer."
2) The First Female Manager is Elected to Lead a High-A level Baseball Team
Ronnie Gajownik created history by becoming the first female skipper to manage a High-A level affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Hillsboro Hops.
In a recent interview, Ronnie stated why she is so excited for this opportunity. “"So the visibility aspect of it is huge, because, again, it's showing little girls and showing women that we're breaking the glass ceiling and we're leaving breadcrumbs for everybody behind us for us just to keep adding on to it to see how far we can go."
Thanks for Checking Out This Week’s Episode
That's all for this edition of This Week in Baseball History. Be sure to check back next week for more memorable moments, news, and updates from around the league!
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This Week in Baseball History (1/23-1/29/23)